FAQ | Virtual Gems

BEFORE WE START

Answers to Common Questions

A quick guide to our process, timelines, deliverables, and what to expect when working with Virtual Gems.

What do you need from me to start a project?

To get started, send us your jewelry design or CAD model (or photos, technical drawings, or sketches), along with a brief description of what you need. If you already have reference images or examples of the desired look, feel free to include them as well.

Why do you rebuild the CAD model for visualization?

Because a production-ready CAD model and a visualization-ready 3D model have different requirements.
We rebuild and refine every model specifically for CGI to achieve accurate proportions, clean geometry, realistic edges and surfaces, and the level of detail required for photorealistic rendering. This gives us precise control over how the jewelry interacts with light, materials, gemstones, and the camera — ultimately allowing us to achieve a more realistic final result.

How does the visualization process work?

We start with a few test renders to make sure you are happy with the visual quality before moving forward.
Once you approve the quality, we finalize the scope, sign the contract, and proceed with payment. After that, we tailor the entire visualization process to your needs — from camera angles and lighting to materials, gemstones, composition, and every other detail of the final result.

How long does a project typically take?

The initial setup typically takes a few days to a week. This is the most involved stage, as we develop and refine the base set of visuals and establish the camera, lighting, materials, animation, and other settings to match your requirements.
Once the base setup is approved, production becomes much faster. Each new piece is rebuilt for visualization and rendered using the same approved positions, compositions, and settings, allowing us to handle larger collections efficiently.

Can I request changes to the visual setup?

Yes. The base setup can be adjusted at any stage based on your feedback.
Once a setup has been approved, however, it becomes the standard for the pieces that follow. If you later request changes to the approved setup, we can apply them to new pieces, while products that have already been completed will remain as approved. Re-rendering previously completed pieces with the new setup can also be arranged for an additional fee.

What’s included in the Showcase Set?

The Showcase Set includes static images, on-body visuals, 360° animation, and three standard metal colors — white, yellow, and rose gold.
See the full Showcase Set →

What can I provide if I don't have a CAD model?

CAD is the preferred starting point because it gives us access to the complete geometry of the jewelry and allows us to see elements that may not be visible from photographs or drawings.
However, we can also work from high-resolution photographs taken from multiple angles, technical drawings, sketches, or a combination of available references. While some details may be difficult to reconstruct from limited references, we are experienced in working with all types of source materials. The absence of a CAD model does not increase the visualization cost, even though the reconstruction may require additional modeling work.

Can you work from a specific visual style or reference?

Yes. Every project is customized to your needs, so we can work from your visual references and adapt the camera angles, lighting, materials, backgrounds, animation style, and overall mood to match your desired look.
You can provide examples of visuals you like, and we will use them as a reference when developing the final setup for your jewelry.

Can you prepare visuals specifically for our website?

Yes. We can work directly with your web designer or development team to make sure the visuals meet your website requirements.
We can coordinate technical details such as image and video dimensions, file formats, compression, and other specifications to help ensure fast loading and proper display across the site. This communication can happen directly with your team, so you don’t have to manage the technical details between the different parties.

Can you create visuals for an entire jewelry collection?

Yes. We can create visualization sets for an entire jewelry collection, covering different types of pieces such as rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, cufflinks, and more — for both men's and women's jewelry.
We develop the visual setup to maintain a consistent look across the collection while adapting the compositions and presentation to each type of jewelry.